munni

Munni is a feminine given name and a common nickname in South Asia. It is widely used in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as a term of endearment for a young girl or a pretty woman. In everyday speech, munni may function as a standalone name or as a diminutive form of longer names or descriptors, and it is associated with affection rather than formality. The term comes from Urdu and Hindi linguistic traditions, where similar affectionate forms are used to address children or loved ones; its exact usage can vary by region and social context.

In popular culture, munni has appeared as a character name or nickname in films and music. A widely recognized reference is the Bollywood song "Munni Badnaam Hui" from the 2012 film Dabangg 2, performed by Mamta Sharma and Aishwarya Nigam, which contributed to the term's visibility in contemporary media. The word also appears in various regional songs, television shows, and literary works as a friendly or playful appellation.

Beyond entertainment, munni is used as a given name within South Asian communities and among the diaspora, sometimes chosen for its melodic sound or affectionate meaning. Variants and related names include Munira and other diminutives formed with -i endings.